Conference Agenda

Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).

 
 
Session Overview
Session
1.4-2 Raw Materials and their societal relevance for Europe
Time:
Tuesday, 25/Aug/2020:
3:20pm - 5:20pm

Location: Room 2.01

Session Abstract

by Antje Wittenberg & Henrike Sievers

Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Germany

Raw Materials are crucial components of a vital and wealthy society. This holds for societies affected by mining, manufacturing and agriculture as well as for  those  that  reached  a  de-industrialised  status. Sustainable  supply of raw materials always  calls  for accessibility to mineral deposits and productive mines. It is getting more and more challenging to meet these needs not only due to the competing land-use issues and to provide a fair share of costs and benefit to all. The realisation of a low-carbon society and a self-concept of reliable sourcing increasingly require short feed strokes and local sourcing. Although Europe has a long history in mining, it is still widely underexplored in particular with modern exploration methods. A good understanding of mineral systems, mining sites and remaining resources of historical sites is still of utmost importance. This session invites contributions from the entire mining cycle spanning from raw materials exploration to active mining in Europe indicating a socio-economic importance to our society in particular. Fridays For Future, UN SDG, EC Green Deal and many more are focussing on issues towards a carbon neutral economy. All those aspects need actions by Geoscientists and will put pressure on the raw materials demand side.


Presentations
3:20pm - 3:35pm
ID: 277
Virtual Presentation

Technological Innovations for more Efficient Mineral Resource Exploration

Torsten Gorka

DMT GmbH & Co. KG, Germany

Saving exploration time, improving cost efficiency, and achieving higher levels of social and environmental acceptance: these are the key aims of the development of novel exploration methods investigated by the three-year research project NEXT – New Exploration Technologies. Within NEXT, our focus is on new geomodels, novel sensitive exploration technologies and data analysis methods. The overall concept is to combine the knowledge derived from geological mineral systems research with new advanced technological solutions.

Including 16 project partners from six EU countries, NEXT brings together mining industry, service providers and research institutions to develop an enhanced integrated approach for ore exploration. The project has made much progress to develop the first prototype of a new electromagnetic (EM) system and utilizing a new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) technology for geophysical surveying, as well as development of a field electrochemical probe. Combination with other well-established but constantly emerging portable geochemical exploration tools (XRF, LIBS, Raman), remote sensing technologies and biogeochemical approaches shall enhance sustainable exploration methods. Furthermore, the partners of NEXT are devoted to bring the analysis of expanding mineral exploration related data to a new level by combining the modern data mining, artificial intelligence (here: self-organizing maps (SOM) and artificial neural networks (ANN)) and prospectivity mapping technologies.

Focus of our work on Social License to Operate (SLO) is to identify the key factors influencing social acceptance at the mineral exploration stage, and to explore the importance of early company community relations for SLO long term.

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 776804.

Gorka-Technological Innovations for more Efficient Mineral Resource Exploration_Info.pdf


3:35pm - 3:50pm
ID: 284
Virtual Presentation

An anatectic model for albite-spodumene pegmatites from the Austroalpine Unit (Eastern Alps)

Tanja Knoll1, Benjamin Huet1, Ralf Schuster1, Heinrich Mali2

1Geological Survey of Austria, Austria; 2Department of Applied Geosciences and Geophysics, Montanuniversität Leoben

Albite-spodumene pegmatite are considered to be the product of extreme fractionation of melts or fluids deriving from large alkaline granite intrusions. Anatectic melts deriving from partially molten metasediments are in contrast not believed to be a possible source for such pegmatite. In the Austroalpine Unit of the Eastern Alps, albite-spodumene pegmatite are associated with simple pegmatite and relatively small inhomogeneous leucogranite bodies, all Permian in age. Parent granites were never observed. Instead, field relations, petrography, geochronology as well as phase and whole rock major- and trace-elements geochemistry suggests that this pegmatite bodies and leucogranite derived from anatexis in upper amphibolite facies of Al-rich metapelite. Bulk rock and LA ICPS-MS mineral geochemistry indicate that before melting, metapelite could have contained significant Li (average 120 ppm) and that the main Li-carrier in the protholith was staurolite (with up to 800 ppm Li). The aim of this study is to test with geochemical modelling if melting of such metapelites could be the origin of the albite-spodumene pegmatite.

Using conservative parameters and realistic hypotheses, these models show that 15 to 25 vol% melt containing more than 200 ppm Li can escape the migmatite. Following fractionation of the melt with 99% in mass within simple pegmatite and leucogranite containing 100 ppm Li yields high-evolved melts with 10,000 ppm Li. Our geochemical model shows that partitioning of Li between restite and anatectic melt coeval with breakdown of staurolite, followed by fractionation is a realistic genetic process for the formation of the albite-spodumene pegmatite of the Austroalpine Unit.

Knoll-An anatectic model for albite-spodumene pegmatites_Info.pdf


3:50pm - 4:05pm
ID: 125
Virtual Presentation

Prospectivity mapping of phosphor in Europe; a part of the GEOERA-FRAME project

Martiya Sadeghi1, Guillaume Bertrand2, Sophie Decree3, Daniel P. S. de Oliveira4

1SGU: Geological Survey of Sweden, Box 670, SE-751 28 Uppsala, Sweden; 2BRGM: French geological survey, 3 avenue Claude Guillemin, BP 36009, 45060 Orléans Cedex 2 France; 3GSB: Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences – Geological Survey of Belgium; 4LNEG: Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, Apartado 7586, Alfragide 2610-999 Amadora, Portugal

The prime aim of WP 3 in the FRAME project is to produce a map of Strategic and Critical Raw Materials (SCRM) for Europe. Another main objective is the predictive targeting based on GIS exploration tools and prospectivity assessments at a continental scale. There are several methods of producing prospectivity mapping based on available data and methodology. We present here the result of hybrid fuzzy weights of evidence for phosphor targeting in Europe. Phosphate mineralizations occur in rocks from the Archean to the Quaternary in age and can be generally categorized as sedimentary- and igneous-related deposits, hydrothermal and phosphate concentration related to elluvial/alluvial deposits. The data on phosphate mineralization collected by FRAME project (WP4) and has been used for this targeting assessment.

The results of our prospectivity mapping highlight several areas in Europe. From the Northern part of Sweden, the areas close by iron oxide apatite deposits in Kiruna to Malmberget, and southern Norway. Northern Estonia: the area probably related to sedimentary phosphorite is highlighted with additional potential for targeting. The study by WP4 also suggested that Lower Palaeozoic sedimentary phosphorites are the most promising targets. In Spain and Portugal, very high favourable area highlighted for favourability of phosphate mineralization. These areas are related with granitic to alkaline igneous rocks and also granitic pegmatitic rocks (e.g. Caceres Logrosan zone in Spain). In the UK there is high favourable target area that may related to granite and alkali granite rocks. In Belgium and northern France and in the north of Lyon show high favourability of rocks for targeting phosphor. Summarizing up; as Igneous-related phosphate mineralizations show elevated REE and other critical metals compared to the sedimentary phosphorite, then alkaline rocks might be potential targets for both phosphor and other critical metals, but the sedimentary phosphate deposits might not be underestimated as a good target because of theirs size and tonnage.

Acknowledgment:

As part of GeoERA (https://geoera.eu/) FRAME has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 731166.

Sadeghi-Prospectivity mapping of phosphor in Europe a part of the GEOERA-FRAME project_Info.pdf


4:05pm - 4:20pm
ID: 168
Invited Virtual Presentation | Keynote

The ROBOMINERS approach to mining small and difficult to access deposits

Luís Lopes

La Palma Research Centre, Belgium

The ROBOMINERS project, funded under the EU Horizon 2020 programme, Grant Agreement no. 820971, is developing an innovative solution for the exploitation of small and difficult to access deposits in Europe. This approach is based on a modular, exchangeable robot miner vision. The miner is capable of performing selective mining autonomously while supported by state-of-the-art sensors and capabilities from robotics, raw materials and related areas. Still at the design phase, during this project the prototype robot will be validated within the lab and tested in representative mine targets within the EU, including 1) Abandoned and operating mines or sections with known remaining resources, 2) Small but high-grade mineral deposits and unexplored or explored non-economic occurrences and 3) Ultra depth, not accessible and hazardous environments.

For the mining procedure itself, the process will start with the robot modules (body, sensors, etc) sent underground through a borehole. These modules will then self-assembly to make a modular robot, ready to operate. The miner is able to use its sensors to detect the ore and start mining with tailored production tools. A mineral slurry is produced and pumped out to the surface to be processed. After processing, the slurry can be directed to the inside of the mine to backfill the mined areas, closing the mining loop. Due to state-of-the-art modularity, perception, navigation, autonomy, resilience and sensing, the robot-miner will be able to adapt to the different mining scenarios.

Compared to conventional mining procedures, the ROBOMINERS approach aims at the following benefits:

- No personnel in the mine (Health and Safety)

- Less mining waste produced (Environmental and Social)

- Reduction of mining infrastructure, including during and after mining, i.e. processing (Environmental and Social)

- Less capital investment and quicker set up and demobilization (Economical)

- Opportunity to re-address and fix mine problems (Environmental)

A solution like ROBOMINERS entails a number of socio-economic impacts and benefits when compared to conventional mining or even to some innovative solutions. Directly and indirectly, this approach can contribute to 1) Develop new exploration and exploitation scenarios for European mineral resources, 2) Economic impact in traditional and recent mining regions alike with the possibility to re-open mining, extend mining or opening new mines, contributing in turn to local and regional development, 3) Provide a better answer to social and environmental constraints in support of a Social License to Operate, and 4) contribute and foster research and innovation in mining, robotics and related areas. These impacts are inline with many European policies such as the ones on raw materials, regional development and climate change.

Lopes-The ROBOMINERS approach to mining small and difficult to access deposits_Info.pdf


4:20pm - 4:35pm
ID: 229
Virtual Presentation

Exploring flooded mines with UNEXUP

Márcio Tameirão Pinto, Luís Lopes

La Palma Research Centre - LPRC, La Palma, Spain

The UNEXUP project (2020-2022), funded by EIT RawMaterials, is a continuation of the Horizon 2020 UNEXMIN project (2016-2019). In UNEXMIN a robotic platform to conduct geoscientific surveys in underground flooded mines was developed and tested in the field. In UNEXUP the key objective is to transform this technology into a commercial exploration service, while further developing the technology involved in the robotic system.

The first step of the project will be to build an upscaling version of the current robot – UX-1 – developed within UNEXMIN, addressing the pre-identified limitations and tailoring the navigation and geoscientific instrumentation according to the potential customers’ needs. Future customers are mining companies, geological surveys, mine owners and other industries that would benefit from the technology. The current version of UX-1 is already capable of conducting complex surveys, gathering geoscientific data that allow geoscientists to build, for example, geological and structural maps of flooded environments, cross-sections of shafts, detection of ores with natural radiation, determination of physical and chemical parameters of the waters, as well as automatic detection of some minerals (i.e. calcite).

In addition to the UX-1 upscaling unit, another robot will be added to the platform in the second year of the project – 2022. It will be a heavier vehicle, capable of navigating at greater depths, with geoscientific payload and sampling instruments that will be able to produce high-quality data from currently inaccessible mine sites with minimum environmental impacts – as a non-contact survey method – or human risks.

Pinto-Exploring flooded mines with UNEXUP_Info.pdf


4:35pm - 4:50pm
ID: 267
Virtual Presentation

Tourism at Historic Mining Sites in Europe

Eoin McGrath, Tim Workman, Des Johnston

Geological Survey Ireland, Ireland

Europe has a long mining history dating back to the Bronze Age (3300 - 1200 BC). Early mining activity was carried out in a primitive manner and only relatively high grade mineralization was worked. Many developments have taken place since then up to the present day. In addition, the range of commodities mined has greatly expanded over this time period and include ornamental stone, industrial minerals, fuel minerals as well as metal mines. Several of these sites have had over 1,000 years of continuous mining activity while others measure their life in decades or less. The mining activity has altered the landscape and many mining regions have a unique environment and built heritage.

Mintell4EU is currently documenting those mining areas which have developed tourist attractions or amenities following the closure of the mines. The final product will provide a brief overview of the mine site, including the history of extraction and the current condition and attractions or facilities present. This will be a valuable resource both for geologists interested in the history of mining within Europe and the tourism sector, providing a single location where the broad range of mining related tourist activities can be viewed.

Progress to date is presented including methodology, mine sited collated and elaboration of sample sites.

The activities described above are implemented within the GeoERA ERA-NET Co-Fund Action in Mintell4EU. GeoERA has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 731166.

McGrath-Tourism at Historic Mining Sites in Europe_Info.pdf


4:50pm - 5:05pm
ID: 151
Virtual Presentation

Raw Material Potential from Historic Mine Sites

Henrike Sievers1, Petr Rambousek2, Monica Serra3, Antje Wittenberg1, Daniel Oliveira4

1Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany; 2Česká geologická služba, prac. Geologická 6, 152 00 Praha 5 – Barrandov, Czech Republic; 3ISPRA - Dipartimento per il Servizio Geologico d'Italia, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy; 4Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, Apartado 7586, Alfragide 2610-999 Amadora, Portugal

The raw materials required by the European industry, especially metallic raw materials, are largely imported into the EU. Thus, Europe’s economic and social wellbeing relies on supplies from international sources and depends on secure and sustainable supply chains. This becomes especially vital when it comes to critical raw material (CRM) and base metals, needed in future-proved technologies to ensure the envisaged energy transition. However, Europe has a long lasting mining history. Metal ore deposits have been mined for hundreds of years.

Some of these old mining sites still contain ore and large volumes of mine wastes, respectively. Originally being mined for their base metals content, many of these deposits never have been analyzed for CRM. Such historic mine sites could serve as future raw materials sources. Thus, they have the potential to feed into Europe’s demand of raw materials.

Within the FRAME project, geological surveys from across Europe identify historic mine sites, collect information from existing national databases, analyze new samples and compose case studies. The project will include not only the main commodities of the deposits examined, but also focus on CRM contained in the ore, and in the residues from the mining or beneficiation processes. The project will feed site-specific data of ore deposits and mine wastes with their associated CRM potential into the pan-European knowledge base on raw materials: the GeoERA Information Platform.

As part of GeoERA (https://geoera.eu/) FRAME has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 731166.

Sievers-Raw Material Potential from Historic Mine Sites_Info.pdf


5:05pm - 5:20pm
ID: 194
Virtual Presentation

Critical Raw Materials (CRM) potential of Slovenian historical mining sites

Klemen Teran

Geological survey of Slovenia, Slovenia

Of the more than 200 metal ore occurrences and deposits discovered on Slovenian territory, several have been developed into significant mines (e.g. the Idrija Hg mine or the Mežica Pb-Zn-Mo mine). After 1995, however, all metal mines in Slovenia were closed, which also led to an interruption in mining exploration. The potential of the Slovenian ore deposits to supply Critical Raw Materials (CRM) remained largely unknown, as the historical mining exploration concentrated only on the most important base metal commodities, while the presence of trace elements was ignored.

The GeoERA- FRAME project initiated a re-evaluation of the Slovenian ore deposits according to their CRM potential. Litija Pb-Zn-baryte hydrothermal vein deposit in central Slovenia, hosted by Carboniferous sandstones, may serve as a good case study for the evaluation of historical data with a focus on CRMs. The mine was active in the period 1537-1966 and produced about 30,000 t Pb, 32,000 t baryte, 158 t Hg and 2.8 t Ag (Mlakar, 1993). Litija was the largest baryte mine on Slovenian territory and still contains about 0.1 Mt ore resources with a baryte grade of 20%. In addition, the Pb and Zn mineralization in Litija may contain elevated levels of Ag, Sb, Co, Ga, Ge and In (Drovenik and Pleničar, 1980). Historical data indicate that approximately 0.5 Mt of mining waste was produced during mine operation with an estimated grade of 1.97% Pb and 0.48% Zn.

In order to assess the potential of CRM, mining waste and accessible ore veins will be sampled and analyzed with modern multi-element chemical analyses. As parts of the mining waste deposits are populated or have been transported away, a re-assessment of the volume of accessible mining waste will be also carried out. New geochemical analyses shall be performed on samples from all ore deposits on Slovenian territory in order to identify potential mineral deposits of public importance and to define suitable spatial planning guidelines.

Literature:

Drovenik M. and Pleničar M. 1980. Nastanek rudišč v SR Sloveniji (The origin of Slovenian ore deposits). Geologija 23/1, 1-157.

Mlakar, I. 1993. O problematiki Litijskega rudnega polja (On the problems of the Litija ore field). Geologija 36, 249-338. doi: 10.5474/geologija.1994.013

Teran-Critical Raw Materials_Info.pdf